## Moscow Establishes Contact With Syrian Rebel Group HTS, Aims to Keep Syria Bases

Russia Engages with‌ Syrian Rebel Group⁣ Amidst shifting Power Dynamics

Russia has established direct ⁣dialog channels with Hayat‍ Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the‌ leading‌ Islamist rebel group in Syria, according ‍to⁤ Russian Deputy⁣ Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. This move comes as⁢ a significant development following the⁢ collapse of Syria’s government under Bashar ⁤al-Assad. Bogdanov‌ emphasized that Russia intends to maintain its military presence in Syria, including naval bases in Tartous adn the Khmeimim⁣ airbase near Latakia, to continue ⁢combating international⁢ terrorism.‌ Russian officials expressed optimism about their interactions with HTS, ⁤hailing them as “constructive” and hoping the group would uphold its commitments to ​maintaining order and safeguarding foreign nationals. US national Security Adviser Jake Sullivan ⁤defended ⁢Israel’s actions in Syria, asserting that Israel has ⁤the right to defend itself against potential security threats. Following the⁢ downfall of ‌Assad’s regime,‍ israel deployed ⁣troops⁢ into the buffer ⁢zone along the Golan Heights and‌ launched hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian⁤ military assets. Sullivan highlighted Israel’s efforts to identify and neutralize conventional and ⁤weapons of ⁢mass destruction threats, ​stating, “What ⁣Israel‌ is‍ doing is trying to identify potential‌ threats… that ⁤could threaten Israel, ⁢and frankly threaten ​others as well.” The situation in Syria remains precarious, with Sullivan acknowledging the risk of state fragmentation‍ and the potential emergence⁢ of terrorist‍ organizations. He​ cautioned that the new power structure in Damascus might prove unfriendly towards Israel and ⁢other neighboring states. While France and the⁤ United Arab Emirates condemned Israel’s‍ incursion into the buffer⁤ zone, the United States expressed its expectation that the move would be temporary.

Israeli ​Airstrikes Target Aid Convoys in Gaza

In‌ a separate development, Israeli​ airstrikes in Gaza resulted⁣ in the deaths of 13 Palestinians,​ according​ to Gaza medics and Hamas. the ‍airstrikes, ⁤which targeted Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, ‍were allegedly ⁢directed at individuals attempting to ‌hijack humanitarian aid ⁣shipments. The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes aimed to ensure the safe passage of‌ aid to civilians in need, accusing Hamas members of planning to divert the aid for nefarious purposes. Hamas, meanwhile, maintains those killed were part of a ⁣security force ⁤tasked with protecting aid shipments. Hamas has condemned ongoing Israeli strikes targeting aid convoys, alleging ⁢that Israel is​ intentionally sowing chaos to⁤ prevent ‍humanitarian​ assistance from reaching the Palestinian population.
## Archyde News Brief: Russia Courts Syrian rebels, ⁤Israel Defends Golan Strikes





**Q: Mikhail Bogdanov,**⁤ Russia has opened dialog ‍channels with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. What drove this decision, given HTS’ Islamist ideology?



**A: Mikhail bogdanov,** The ​situation in Syria necessitates pragmatic solutions. The collapse of Assad’s⁢ regime necessitated‌ adapting our ‍approach. While HTS’ ideology ⁣raises‌ concerns,we believe engagement is crucial to maintaining stability and combating terrorism. We seek assurances from HTS ‌regarding order and ⁣the safety of foreign nationals.



**Q:⁣ Jake Sullivan,** the U.S. has defended Israel’s actions in Syria, both the troop deployments and airstrikes. ⁢What justifies these actions considering international condemnation?



**A: Jake Sullivan:** Israel faces legitimate security threats emanating from Syria. They ‍have⁤ a right to defend themselves, particularly against ⁣the potential‌ for the proliferation of WMDs and conventional weapons. Israel’s operations aim to identify and⁢ neutralize these​ threats, protecting both themselves and regional stability.



**Q:**⁤ **Is ⁣there concern⁢ that the power vacuum in ‌Damascus could lead to a fractured state‍ or the resurgence of terrorist groups?**



**A: Jake ⁢Sullivan:** The situation remains⁤ precarious. the ⁤risk of state ​fragmentation and the ​emergence of terrorist elements is real. The crayon new ‌power structure ​in ‍Damascus may⁤ not be as kind to Israel or⁢ its regional allies. We are carefully monitoring the situation.
## Syria crisis: Interviews with World Leaders



**Q: Mikhail Bogdanov,** Russia has opened dialog channels with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. What drove this decision, given HTS’ Islamist ideology?



**A: Mikhail Bogdanov:** The situation in Syria necessitates pragmatic solutions. The collapse of Assad’s regime necessitated adapting our approach. While HTS’ ideology raises concerns, we believe engagement is crucial to maintaining stability and combating terrorism. We seek assurances from HTS regarding order and the safety of foreign nationals.



**Q: jake Sullivan,** the U.S. has defended Israel’s actions in Syria, both the troop deployments and airstrikes. What justifies these actions considering international condemnation?



**A: Jake Sullivan:** Israel faces legitimate security threats emanating from Syria. They have a right to defend themselves, particularly against the potential for the proliferation of WMDs and conventional weapons. Israel’s operations aim to identify and neutralize these threats, protecting both themselves and regional stability.